For about a $1,500 premium (comparing base prices) over the V6-powered E350, you can drive this diesel-powered 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec that--according to its EPA rating--returns mileage of 22 city/33 highway with a turbocharged V6 that makes 210 hp and 400-lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the normally aspirated, gasoline-burning six-cylinder makes 268 hp and 258 lb-ft--and is rated at 17/24 mpg.
With gasoline prices at today's level, the E350 Bluetec is a solid option, and depending on how many miles you cover per year, you could pay yourself back for the diesel engine relatively quickly. I would choose this engine without hesitation.
Less impressive is the driving experience, which is normally smooth and comfortable as you would expect but far from inspiring. While many of Mercedes' latest products have made a nice step in terms of response, this E-class rolls into corners lazily, and if you are inclined to give it a bit of stick just for fun, the dull and slow steering puts the brakes on your enthusiasm real fast.
This is an ultimate cruiser in the traditional M-B mold, plain and simple--comfortable and strong, with the required amount of perceived panache. It's just not exciting in any way.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART:
Each new diesel I get to drive increases my belief that all manufacturers should be pushing clean-diesel technology, along with other alternative powerplants. As for now, this is dominated by the Germans, while seemingly everyone else is on sidelines, more concerned about hybrids. And that is too bad.
Granted, as Mac noted, the base price is about $1,500 more than the base gasoline-powered model. To me, that is more than worth it not only for the fuel-mileage gains, as he notes, but also for the more than 600-mile range.
The new diesel technology is pretty spectacular. You can put a relatively small six-cylinder engine under the hood and easily propel this two-ton-plus sedan and return upward of 30 mpg. The 400 lb-ft of torque delivers all the push you'd ever expect in big sedan like this that doesn't have an AMG badge.
And, each time I get in an E-class, it just feels like the right size of car. Not too big, not too small. The only thing I'd change is that I'd take mine in the wagon body style.
DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY:
It's a rare car, despite shuttling in and out of vehicles on a daily basis, that I can confidently say I could live happily ever after with. This 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec falls into that category. The powertrain is so close to what I consider ideal in a midsize sedan that it makes up for the flaws elsewhere. Seamless, smooth, massive torque on tap at all times, matched perfectly to the transmission--it was simply a delight.
And for the most part, the flaws were minor. Like Roger, I found the shifter odd at first. But considering that the competition--BMW, I'm looking at you--has moved to an electronic gear selector, it makes just as much sense to open the center console up for storage and stick it on a column stalk. The cruise-control stalk, on the other hand, is exactly where the turn signals should be. More than once I went to signal a lane change and inadvertently activated the speed control.
My biggest gripe came from the chassis, which rode nicely and cornered well enough but felt underdamped. Jounce and rebound were surprisingly harsh, almost as if there wasn't enough travel in the suspension or the mounting points were poorly isolated. Upon further inspection, however, I'm suspicious of the smallish 17-inch Bridgestone Turanza tires our tester was equipped with. No, they wouldn't explain some of what I experienced, but enough of it could be tire-related to cause me to reserve judgment until I drive one with different rubber.
EDITOR WES RAYNAL:
In wagon form this car would be perfect. As a sedan, it's merely excellent. The car is near the exact size I'd need, and this diesel engine is just a heck of a nice piece, with torque aplenty and enough power. It's a beautiful highway cruiser, tight and quiet, and returns awesome mileage for a luxury car. The car is rock solid and the interior is superbly built, with nice, firm seats. Stoy touched on the ride a bit, and I agree: The car is not quite as--what's the word--graceful as some Benzes that I recall, but I was never uncomfortable.
Overall, it's refined and comfy and loaded with the right stuff. Even with the $1,500 premium the sticker was less than I would have guessed.
EDITORIAL INTERN DAVID ARNOUTS:
I am a big proponent of diesel fuel in many ways and was excited to see this 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec in our fleet. I'll start with what I like about this car. The styling of the new E350 sits well with me, especially the angular front end and prominent lines of the vehicle. Sure, there may be better-looking and -performing cars, but I like the classic look this car has even with its contemporary styling. The palladium silver exterior looks great.
The Bluetec powerplant is what I was looking forward to the most. The 400 lb-ft of torque mated with the seven-speed transmission made for easy highway driving. While not exhilarating, it wasn't anemic.
The interior was classic Benz, which to me is refined luxury, not ostentatious or over-the-top for status sake like some manufactures.
My only complaint is the gear selector. It seems so out of place in such a nice car that I can't help but imagine the designers standing over the completed vehicle, patting themselves on the back getting ready for the initial test drive, when all of a sudden they realize they have forgotten the gear selector. As panic begins to set in, a white-coat engineer runs in, selector in hand, and stabs it into the column announcing its completion. I am no designer or engineer, but surely from an aesthetic perspective, there were better options.
2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec Sedan
Base Price: $51,775
As-Tested Price: $59,720
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6; RWD, seven-speed automatic
Output: 210 hp @ 3,800 rpm, 400 lb-ft @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,255 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 26/25.8 mpg
Options: Premium package including command system with 40-GB hard-drive GPS navigation, real-time traffic data, voice control, 6-GB music register, Harman/Kardon logic7 surround-sound system with Dobly Digital 5.1, HD and satellite radio, iPod MP3 interface cable, heated front seats, power rear-window sun shade, rearview camera, bixenon headlamps with active curve illumination, adaptive highbeam assist, LED daytime running headlamps, headlamp washers, Keyless-go, electronic trunk closer ($6,450); palladium silver exterior paint ($720); driver dynamic multicontour driver seat with massage ($660); AC power outlet ($115)
